General Counsel

State Democracy Defenders Action; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding democracy as the General Counsel. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic legal advice across various complex issues, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks for multiple legal entities. Your expertise in nonprofit law, federal election law, and contracts will be crucial in navigating the legal landscape while supporting the organization's mission. This position offers the opportunity to work remotely with a preference for proximity to Washington, D.C., making it ideal for those passionate about democracy and social justice. If you are looking to make a significant impact in a vital role, this is the opportunity for you.

Benefits

Generous PTO Policy

Flexible Work Hours

Qualifications

• 12-15+ years of experience as a senior legal advisor to nonprofits.
• Membership in good standing with a state bar in the US.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal matters across all legal entities of the organization.
• Review and develop internal governance policies.
• Support rapid response legal efforts for the pro-democracy ecosystem.

Skills

Legal Advice

Corporate Law

Nonprofit Law

Federal Election Law

Litigation

Contracts

Employment Law

Intellectual Property

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

General Counsel

State Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Full time, Exempt, Remote (preference for DC)

Organizational Overview

State Democracy Defenders Action (SDDA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy. SDDA also provides general administration for a group of related independent entities including State Democracy Defenders Fund (c3),Democracy Defenders PAC, and Democracy Defenders Projects – the home for the new media entity, The Contrarian. We were founded to counter the authoritarian threat to our democracy. State Democracy Defenders Action was founded in 2023 by Ambassador Norm Eisen (ret.), alongside other leading figures in democracy defense, elections, and law. SDDA launched the Contrarian which is being led by Eisen and new Editor-in Chief, Jen Rubin.

Role Summary

The General Counsel (“GC”) serves as legal guardian, providing legal advice to our senior leadership. The GC will be expected to provide legal and strategic advice across a myriad of complex issues that touch all of the group’s legal entities.

This position would report to the Executive Director and also work with other senior members of the team. The GC will be expected to have experience across a wide range of legal topics and regimes, including corporate and nonprofit law, federal tax law, intellectual property and defamation, federal election law, litigation, privilege, contracts, and employment law.

Responsibilities

The General Counsel will be responsible for tasks including, but not limited to:

• Oversee legal matters across all of the legal entities the entirety of the organization
• Review, develop and set internal governance policies and ensure that the organization closely follows its policies
• Maintain knowledge of the company’s legal documents and operations
• Craft and review legal strategies to limit liability proactively and in response to any potential litigation, audit or inquiry
• Support rapid response legal efforts to support the pro-democracy ecosystem
• Support communications, fundraising, and other team members by reviewing and contributing to fundraising proposals
• Work closely with outside counsel to ensure compliance with employment laws in various jurisdictions and all relevant IRS and FEC laws and regulations
• Ensure that all relationships–with contractors, outside counsel, and outside experts–are bound by appropriate privilege structures
• Review grant proposals, agreements and stewardship reports
• Review or draft contracts with vendors, clients or other stakeholders as needed
• Maintain internal compliance procedures, including training for staff as needed
• Manage board matters and serve as board secretary as needed
• Other tasks as needed

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• 12-15+ years of experience, including as a senior legal advisor to nonprofits
• Proven ability to manage multiple pressing legal matters and prioritize effectively
• Proven ability to work with outside counsel and experts effectively and efficiently
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Discretion in handling sensitive information
• Membership in good standing with a state bar in the United States, with the ability to waive into the DC bar if necessary
• Willingness to travel for retreats and events, and work on-site as needed
• Prefer prior experience as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or Corporate Counsel at social justice nonprofits
• Prefer demonstrated interest in safeguarding American democracy

This is an excellent opportunity for someone dedicated to protecting our democracy, helping to quantify and maximize our impact, and interested in nonprofit management. Proximity to Washington, D.C. is strongly preferred, but work will be primarily remote. Some work is expected during evenings and weekends.

State Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000, plus benefits, including a generous PTO policy. This is a non-exempt, overtime eligible position.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [e-mail] with your last name followed by General Counsel in the subject line.